LPGA Golfer Natalie Gulbis Battling Malaria, Will Miss Tournament

After a hot start to the 2013 year, an illness has sidelined gold star Natalie Gulbis for the LPGA Founders Cup in Phoenix this week.

Gulbis announced that she had to withdraw from the tournament due to being stricken with a case of malaria while she participated in another tournament in Asia.

While she competed in the first round of the HSBC Women's Champions tourney in Singapore two weeks again, she began to exhibit flu-like symptoms. She was cleared to fly home, but after her symptoms continued, she was forced to bow out of the Phoenix tournament.

Malaria causes high fevers, shaking chills, flu-like symptoms, and anemia and can lead to brain infection, kidney and liver failure if left untreated.

A joint statement from the LPGA and IMG, the gold star's management team, confirmed that Gulbis, ranked 108th in the LPGA standings was resting at home and is expected to be back in action within a month's time.

"Natalie's well-being is a top priority for both the LPGA and IMG, and steps continue to be taken to ensure the well-being of Natalie and all the players on the LPGA Tour now and for future events. LPGA doctors have been consulted and believe she is on appropriate medications, under great care, and her prognosis is excellent," the statement read, as reported by USA Today.

The next tournament that Gulbis can participate in on the horizon is next month's Kraft Nabisco Championship, which is scheduled for April 4 through 7.

According to Fox Sports, Gulbis is expected back in full strength in three weeks, and LPGA doctors are instructed to make sure that Gulbis is on the right medications.